Hildebrandt’s Starling with orange eyes and iridescent blue feathers in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
Meeting the Hildebrandt’s Starling: An Uncommon African Beauty
Sometimes a change in geography will change your perspective on a “pest.” Moving from the muted, iridescent black of the North American starling to the vivid burnt-orange and iridescent blues of Hildebrandt’s Starling is quite the visual upgrade!
Where to Find Hildebrandt’s Starling
This lovely avian (Lamprotornis hildebrandti) is found only in the the modern countries of Kenya and Tanzania. While some call it uncommon, the IUCN considers the population stable and of “Least Concern.” I spotted the one pictured above loitering in a picnic park in the central Serengeti.
This starling is a medium sized bird (about 7 inches in length). It sports a purple-blue head and wings. Chest, belly, and—most strikingly—its eyes, are orange.
History and Habitat
Hildebrandt’s starling is named after Johann Maria Hildebrandt, an east African explorer, naturalist, and collector of the 19th century. He was the first to identify this species, often found in woodlands and savannahs between 1,600 and 7,200 ft.
This colorful forager eats insects and fruit and often feeds on the ground. This one was watching for picnic crumbs.
Hildebrandt’s vs. Superb Starling: How to Tell Them Apart
Hildebrandt’s starling should not be confused with the Superb starling, though they may be confused at a glance.
How to distinguish a Hildebrandt’s from a Superb Starling:
Eye Color: Hildebrandt’s has striking orange eyes, whereas the Superb has bright white eyes.
Chest Marking: The Superb starling features a distinct white breast band; the Hildebrandt’s chest is solid orange-buff.
Plumage: Hildebrandt’s typically displays a more uniform, deep iridescent blue-purple on the upperparts.
Compare them yourself by checking our posts on the Superb starling here and here.
See Hildebrandt’s starling for yourself
If birds are of interest to you, East Africa needs to be on your bucket list. Email us here for details about our 2027 Tanzania safari.